Regal Love

Chapter one

I struggled to open my eyes, my eyes were sore from the punches that Bryant threw in my face and I was pretty sure that I had two black eyes. My vision was blurry, I reached for my glasses that I usually kept in my nightstand but I suddenly realized that of course, they were damaged. Bryant had broken them. I guess keeping several pairs of contact lenses comes in handy during times like this. I somehow made my way to the washroom. I managed to turn the light on. I splashed the icy cold water in my face, my eyes and my lips burning in pain. But I was used to it. 
I looked at the mirror and my first thought was, ‘Wow my makeup cannot hide this bloody mess’. My eyes were bloodshot, I looked like I came straight out of hell. The black eyes just added more creepiness. Blood was dried out in the corner of my lips and there was a small bruise next of the left side of my lips. To sum up, I was a motherfucking mess.
     I made coffee to help me stay awake throughout the day. I had only 3 hours of fucking sleep. I made some pancakes and ate it with Hershey’s chocolate syrup. I went through my presentation and some files while eating my breakfast. My phone alarm rang. It was 7:30 am already which meant that it was time for me to dress up and attempt to hide Bryant’s masterpiece with makeup. Halloween came early this year.
     I tried my best to apply Dermacol all over my face which helped to some certain extent but the real problem was how do I hide my bloodshot eyes? I can’t always wear shades inside the conference hall. If Dermacol did not exist, I would look like a freaking panda with my Monochrome office wear. I tied my hair in a bun and applied a red lipstick as always. I grabbed my computer, files, coffee and keys and drove to my office ‘The Lancaster Law Practice’ which was 40 minutes away from my apartment. I walked in and of course I grabbed the attention of my colleagues who were there.
     “Hey Elizabeth, what’s with the shades? Is the sun to hot in here?” the jerk of the Office Nelson joked.
“It’s Gucci” I replied and went inside my cabin to start prepping for my presentation which was more important than a worthless man’s comments.
“Stella!” I called out to my assistant whose table was just next to my door.
She came rushing towards me. I handed her the files and without me telling her to photocopy them she asked, “How many Copies?”
“Six” I uttered. And in no time she came back with the copies.
I checked my phone to reply to some emails and then I checked my personal phone to see if Bryant texted me. He didn’t.
“It’s time for the meeting” Stella said. I grabbed my laptop and Stella came with the files to the hall.
While I was presenting I could see the other lawyers looking at me instead of the presentation that was being displayed.
“If you could focus on the actual presentation instead of my face them you would have your own cabins” I said and continued my presentation. The head of the firm giggled at the back but that’s because he had the power and money. The rest just adjusted their seats or gulped and started looking at the presentation displayed on the TV screen or at least pretended to. After the presentation was over, the junior lawyers were dismissed leaving just the owner and head of the firm and me.
“I’m impressed with your work so far” He said.
I am not surprised, I do work hard.
“I have a business proposal for you.” I gulped when he said that.
“Would you agree to be my co-partner?” He said. I smiled for the first time in well, over 3 years. It hurt when I smiled because of the bruise near my lips but I was so happy to be promoted.
“Of course Sir, I’d love to” I said. Derek Lancaster the best Criminal Lawyer in the city asked me to be a partner of his firm, that’s crazy.
“But not this firm” he said. I don’t mind it at all.
“What?” I asked.
“My son’s firm” He said. I did hear about him having a son but I don’t think I want to work with and for a not so competent lawyer.
“Son!” Derek gently said. Out of nowhere a young handsome man appeared with a mischievous grin in his face.
“Hello. I’m Aiden. Nice to meet you” He said. His voice was very hoarse and I certainly did not expect that from him.
We shook hands and I uttered, “Elizabeth”
“You two have amazing work ethics. I’m sure you’ll do amazingly well together”
Derek said, I wasn’t so sure about that to be honest.
I had nothing against Aiden but I certainly did not work my ass off for years to work for or with him. Derek Lancaster was the best lawyer in the game and working under his wing had given me so much exposure to bigger and better clients and their cases. It was worth working the late nights and overtimes because people trusted him blindly. It was as though he didn’t need any preparation before presenting his case, he was that good. But Aiden, he is just the spawn of someone great who isn’t even capable of owning one God damn firm! I’m not judging him, or maybe I am. I just know that he is not competent enough.
“Shall we talk over lunch?” Aiden said.
“I’m not hungry” I replied trying my level best to not sound mean.
“Aiden will drive you to your new office and as of me, I’ll just have to hope that the other lawyers here, are as hardworking as you” Derek smiled and left the room leaving just me and Aiden.
I don’t mean to come off as ungrateful, I know how blessed I am to have my own firm (that I share with my boss’s son) but, there’s always a but.